System for protecting electronic components

ABSTRACT

A system having a removable protective enclosure for an electronic component. The protective enclosure may have a base and a circuit board that may be captured by the base without use of a tool or a separate fastener. A memory module may be disposed on the circuit board. The protective enclosure may be adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupleable to an enclosure.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/237,420,filed on Sep. 9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,229 which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/691,507, filed on Oct.18, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,731.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for protectingelectronic components, and particularly to a system for protectingelectronic components disposed on printed circuit boards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, electronic components are installed on printed circuit boardsfor use in a variety of electrical devices. Electronic components oftenare built with metal conductive leads to electrically couple thecomponent to the printed circuit board. Typically, the electroniccomponent is placed on a surface of the printed circuit board and themetal leads are soldered to thin layers of copper, called traces, on theprinted circuit board. The traces form conductive paths that allowelectricity to flow through the printed circuit board.

Soldering serves two purposes. First, soldering helps physically securethe electronic component to the printed circuit board, and second,soldering ensures a good electrical connection between the electroniccomponent and the traces. As an alternative to soldering, electroniccomponents, such as computer chips and memory modules, are inserted intosockets predisposed on the printed circuit board. When the electroniccomponent is inserted into the socket, the leads of the component areelectrically coupled by the socket to the traces in the printed circuitboard. Typically, a printed circuit board also contains an electricalconnector to electrically couple the printed circuit board to anotherelectrical device.

The nature of the electrical components/printed circuit boardconnections makes the assembled printed circuit boards especiallysusceptible to damage from mishandling. Dropping a printed circuit boardto the floor can effectively ruin the board and any components mountedto it. Damage can occur not only to the electronic components but alsoto the solder bonds between electronic components and the printedcircuit board. Furthermore, computer chips and memory modules can bedislodged from their sockets. Such damaged or dislodged electroniccomponents can be extremely difficult to spot visually. Thus, if a boardis dropped during assembly the damage may go undetected until operationof the device is attempted.

Mishandling also can occur when replacing or upgrading electroniccomponents. For example, memory modules are one of the more commonlyupgraded features of a computer. Purchasing additional memory modules inorder to increase a computer systems memory is fairly common.Furthermore, most computer manufacturers build an upgrade capabilityinto their systems. For example, computer manufacturers routinelyinstall extra sockets on the printed circuit boards so that additionalmemory elements can be added at a later date. Alternatively, extra slotsare reserved in an electrical device so that additional printed circuitboards containing memory modules can be added. Typically, however, inorder to upgrade a computer's memory, or repair a damaged memory modulean operator must access the interior of the computer, thus exposing theoperator to a potential electric shock.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a system that could allowelectronic components to be removed from an electrical device whileprotecting electrical components from mishandling and minimizing thepotential for electric shock.

In addition, many circuit boards are secured within an electronic deviceby removable fasteners, such as screws. Thus, an inventory of removablefasteners must be maintained during assembly of an electronic device. Inaddition, the fasteners must be removed and retained whenever the boardis removed. In addition, a tool, such as a screwdriver typically is usedto install and/or remove fasteners. In such cases, a tool must beprovided to enable the board to be secured or removed from theelectronic device. All of these factors increase the time and expense ofassembly and disassembly of an electronic device. Therefore, a needexists for a system or method to enable a circuit board to be secured toan electronic device without a removable fastener and without use of atool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A protective assembly for an electronic component is featured. Theelectronic component may be disposed on a printed circuit board. Theprotective assembly may be adapted to prevent the electronic componentfrom contacting a planar surface, such as a table top or the floor, whenthe assembly is disposed against the planar surface. The printed circuitboard may be secured to the protective assembly without use of a tool ora removable fastener.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forassembling an electronic device is featured. The method may comprisedisposing an electronic component, such as a memory module, on a printedcircuit board and placing the printed circuit board within a protectiveassembly. The printed circuit board may be secured to the protectiveassembly by disposing the printed circuit board relative to theprotective assembly. The printed circuit board may be secured to theprotective assembly without use of tools or without a removablefastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereafter be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote likeelements, and:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device;

FIG. 2, is a perspective view of a protective assembly, according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an electronic device andprotective assembly, according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view illustrating the assembly of a rollbar to aprotective assembly base, according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view similar to that of FIG. 4 and illustratingthe insertion of printed circuit board into the protective assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the protective assembly and printedcircuit board illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the protective assembly and printedcircuit board illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8—8 of FIG.7 illustrating a lip on the base for holding the printed circuit board;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of aprotective assembly with its cover open;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment illustratedin FIG. 9, but with the cover closed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of aprotective cartridge, according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a base portion of a protective cartridge,according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a printed circuit board adapted for disposalwithin the base portion of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating the installation of the printedcircuit board of FIG. 13 into the base portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the installation of the printedcircuit board of FIG. 13 into the base portion of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a top view illustrating the securing of the printed circuitboard of FIG. 13 into the base portion of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating the securing of the printed circuitboard of FIG. 13 into the base portion of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIG. 1, a block diagram is illustrated depictingan exemplary electronic device, generally designated by the referencenumeral 20. Electronic device 20 may be any of a variety of differenttypes, such as a server, a personal organizer, a notebook computer, apersonal computer, a workstation, an Internet server, a minicomputer,etc. In a typical electronic device, a processor controls many of thefunctions of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, processor 22controls the functions of electronic device 20. An exemplary electronicdevice 20 also is illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed below.

Electronic device 20 typically includes a power supply 24. If device 20is portable, power supply 24 includes permanent batteries, replaceablebatteries, and/or rechargeable batteries. Power supply 24 may alsoinclude an A/C adapter, so that the device may be plugged into a walloutlet, for instance. In fact, power supply 24 may also include a D/Cadapter, so that device 20 may be plugged into the D/C voltage of avehicle.

Various other devices may be coupled to processor 22, depending upon thefunctions that device 20 performs. For example, a user interface 26 maybe coupled to processor 22. Examples of user interfaces 26 includebuttons, switches, a keyboard, a light pen, a mouse, and/or a voicerecognition system. A display 28 may also be coupled to processor 22.Examples of displays 28 include: a television screen, a computermonitor, LEDs, or even an audio display. A communications port 32 mayalso be coupled to processor 22. Communications port 32 may be adaptedto be coupled to a peripheral device 34, such as a printer, a computeror an external modem.

Typically, processor 22 utilizes programming to control the function ofdevice 20. Memory is coupled to processor 22 to store and facilitateexecution of the programming. For example, processor 22 may be coupledto a volatile memory 36 and a non-volatile memory 38. Non-volatilememory 38 may include a read only memory (ROM), such as an EPROM, to beused in conjunction with volatile memory 36. The size of the ROM istypically selected to be just large enough to store any necessaryoperating system, application programs, and fixed data. Volatile memory36, on the other hand, is typically quite large so that it can storedynamically loaded applications. Additionally, non-volatile memory 38may include a high capacity memory such as a disk or tape drive memory.

A variety of memory modules, such as DIMMs, DRAMs, SDRAMs, SRAMs, etc.can be utilized for a given device or application. The presentprotective assembly, discussed below, is particularly amenable toprotecting electric components such as memory modules that are utilizedin, for example, a server.

Referring generally to FIG. 2, a protective assembly or cartridge 200 isshown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Protective assembly 200 includes a base 202 and a rollbar 204. Base 202and rollbar 204 protect electronic components disposed within protectiveassembly 200 from damage due to mishandling. Base 202 includes a primarybase region 202A and a secondary base region 202B that extends generallytransversely, e.g. perpendicularly, from primary base region 202A.Rollbar 204 also extends generally transversely from primary base region202A in the same general direction as secondary base region 202B.Effectively, secondary base region 202B acts as a second rollbar spacedfrom rollbar 204.

In the illustrated embodiment, an electronic component 206, e.g. amemory module, is mounted in a socket 208. Socket 208 is, in turn,mounted on printed circuit board 210, hereinafter referred to as a“daughterboard”. Conductive traces 212 on daughterboard 210 electricallycouple memory module 206 to conductive strips 214 along an edge ofdaughterboard 210. Daughterboard 210 is installable into electricalconnector 216. Electrical connector 216 is mounted on a second printedcircuit board 218, hereinafter referred to as a “motherboard.”

Motherboard 218 serves to secure daughterboard 210 into protectiveassembly 200 and to electrically couple daughterboard 210 to device 20.Electrical connectors 216 contain conductive elements that contactconductive strips 214. Motherboard 218 also has conductive traces 220that electrically couple electrical connector 216 to a multi-pinconnector 222. Multi-pin connector 222 is, in turn, electricallycoupleable to a respective multi-pin connector disposed within theelectronic device. Thus, when the multi-pin connectors are joined, aconductive path from memory module 206 through protective assembly 200to electronic device 20 is completed.

In the illustrated embodiment, electrical connector 216 alsomechanically secures daughterboard 210 to motherboard 218. Daughterboard210 may be manufactured with small notches 224 on the sides. Clips 226of electrical connector 216 fit into the notches, holding daughterboard210 securely within electrical connector 216. Each clip 226 has a thumbrelease 228 that, when operated, pulls the clip from the correspondingnotch 224, allowing the subject daughterboard to be removed from theelectrical connector 216.

In the illustrated embodiment, secondary base region 202B includes agrill 230 disposed at a predetermined distance from rollbar 204 toprotect the memory modules 206. Grill 230 and rollbar 204 extend fromthe base 202 and above or beyond the electrical components 206 locatedon daughterboard 210. Thus, if protective assembly 200 inadvertentlystrikes an object, such as the floor or a desktop, either base 202 orrollbar 204 tends to absorb the impact rather than daughterboard 210 ormemory module 206. Additionally, base 202 and rollbar 204 areconstructed with tabs 232 to protect multi-pin connector 222. Thus,multi-pin connector 222 will not strike the ground first if protectiveassembly 200 is dropped. It should be noted that grill 230 may beconstructed with ventilation holes 233 to allow air to cool memorymodule 206 or the grill may be removed altogether, depending on theapplication.

In the exemplary embodiment, rollbar 204 is attached to base 202 with apin-and-socket system. Rollbar 204 includes a pair of outwardlyextending pins 234, while base 202 includes a pair of correspondingsockets or apertures 236. Pins 234 are pivotably disposed in sockets236, allowing the rollbar 204 to pivot during the assembly process, asillustrated in FIGS. 4–7.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 4–7, motherboard 218 is secured toprotective assembly 200 by a lip 238 extending from the base of grill230. The motherboard 218 is further secured by a pair of base side walls240 extending generally perpendicular to both motherboard 218 and asupport wall 241 of base 202 that connects side walls 240. Motherboard218 also is secured by one or more fasteners, such as a pair of screws242 inserted through two corresponding holes 244 in motherboard 218. Lip238 and screws 242 prevent movement of motherboard 218 in one axialdirection, while the side walls 240 of base 202 prevent lateralmovement. A pair of board guides 246 in rollbar 204 are sized toslidably receive and further support motherboard 218.

Referring again to FIG. 3, an electronic device 20 is shown, accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, the electronic device comprises a server having achassis 248. Chassis 248 is designed to receive protective assembly 200and to protect an electronic component, e.g. memory modules. Protectiveassembly 200 is removable from electronic device chassis 248 and allowselectronic components to be easily accessed, without the need for toolsand without the need to disassemble chassis 248.

Once removed from the device, new electronic components, such as memorymodules, can be added to protective assembly 200 to upgrade or replacethe device's electronic components. The exemplary device 20 includesmulti-pin connector 252 configured to mate with multi-pin connector 222of protective assembly 200. Preferably, chassis 248 and protectiveassembly 200 are configured so that the multi-pin connectors areproperly aligned and mated when protective assembly 200 is inserted intochassis 248.

Interaction of the various components of protective assembly 200 can bebetter understood with reference to FIGS. 4–8. Referring generally toFIG. 4, rollbar 204 initially is pivotably secured to base 202 by, forexample, receipt of two pins 234 in corresponding sockets 236. Rollbar204 is manufactured from a material, such as plastic, that requires arelatively small force to compress the rollbar 204 so that pins 234 canbe inserted in the sockets 236. The pin-and-socket arrangement allowsthe pins 234 to rotate within the sockets 248, thus allowing the rollbar204 to pivot. Screws 242 are threaded into corresponding sockets 254disposed on support wall 241 of base 202.

Referring generally to FIG. 5, the rollbar 204 also serves to facilitatethe installation of motherboard 218 and a plurality of daughterboards210 into the protective assembly 200. After connecting rollbar 204 tobase 202, rollbar 204 is pivoted clockwise to permit insertion ofmotherboard 218 into board guides 246. The daughterboards 210 may beinserted prior to insertion of motherboard 218 into guides 246 or at alater stage. After receiving motherboard 218 in board guides 246,rollbar 204 and motherboard 218 are pivoted counterclockwise, alongarrow 255 of FIG. 6, to place motherboard 218 against base 202.

Referring generally to FIG. 7, once motherboard 218 is placed againstbase 202, motherboard 218 is moved towards secondary base region 202Balong arrow 256. Lip 238, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, holds the edgeof motherboard 218 adjacent grill 232 against base 202. Two screws 242threaded into sockets 254 further secure motherboard 218 to base 202. Ifnot added previously, daughterboards 210 may be disposed within theelectrical connectors 216 on motherboard 218 at this time. Theprotective assembly is now ready for insertion into electronic device20.

Referring generally to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment is shown for aprotective assembly for electronic components. A protective assembly 260includes a base 262 and a cover 264. In this embodiment, cover 264 alsoprovides protection to the electronic component from sharp objects andnon-planar surfaces, such as the edge of a table.

Base 262 has a front protective wall 266 that may be in the form of agrill. A motherboard 268, including an electrical connector 270, isdisposed onto base 262. Electronic components 272, such as memorymodules, are disposed onto a daughterboard 274. Daughterboard 274 may bedisposed in an angled board holder 276. The angled board holder 276allows protective assembly 260 to have a lower overall profile bysecuring daughterboards 274 at an angle, rather than upright.

Cover 264 is secured to base 262 with a pin-and-socket system. In theillustrated embodiment, cover 264 has two pins 278, which fit into twosockets 280 in base 262. Pins 278 are free to rotate within the sockets280, allowing cover 264 to pivot. Cover 264 also has a latch 282 whichcan be used to secure the cover to a catch 284 on grill 266. A springelement 286 on cover 264 is compressed against base 262 when cover 264is latched, as shown in FIG. 10. When latch 282 is removed from catch284 the energy stored in spring element 286 acts to spring open thecover 264. Ventilation holes 288 in cover 264 allow air to flow over andcool electronic components 272.

As illustrated, the protective assembly includes a latch mechanism tosecure protective assembly 260 within an electronic device. The latchmechanism includes a latch 290 and an operator 292. As operator 292 isturned it causes latch 290 to rotate, engaging the latch 290 against arespective catch in the electronic device. Operator 292 is rotated todisengage latch 290 in order to remove protective assembly 260 from thedevice. When cover 264 is closed, the protective cartridge is ready forinstallation into an electronic device.

Referring generally to FIG. 11, an additional alternative embodiment ofa protective cartridge 300 is illustrated. In this embodiment, aplurality of daughterboards 274 are disposed in angled board holders 276disposed on an alternative embodiment of a second printed circuit board,or motherboard, 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the protectivecartridge 300 and motherboard 302 are adapted to cooperate to secure themotherboard 302 to the protective cartridge 300 without the use of toolsor any additional parts.

Referring generally to FIGS. 11–13, the protective cartridge 300 has abase portion 304 and a cover portion 306. As best illustrated in FIG.12, the base portion 304 has a first guide rail 308 and a second guiderail 310 on each side. The first and second guide rails are adapted tosupport the motherboard 302. In this embodiment, the second guide rail310 has been adapted with a protrusion 312 to provide additional supportto the end of the motherboard 302. The base portion 304 has been adaptedwith a first tab 314 and a second tab 316 on each side. The first andsecond tabs are adapted to extend inward from each side of theprotective cartridge 300. The guide rails 308 and 310, the first tabs314, the second tabs 316, and the lip 238 (not shown in this view) areadapted to cooperate with the motherboard 302 to restrict movement ofthe motherboard 302 relative to the base 304.

The first tab 314 has a board guide portion 318 and a board securingportion 320. The board guide portion 318 is adapted to guide themotherboard 302 toward the board securing portion 320. The boardsecuring portion 320 is adapted to prevent the motherboard 302 frombeing lifted upward from the base 304, in this embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, each side of the motherboard 302 is adaptedwith a first notch 322 and a second notch 324. Each first notch 322 isadapted to fit around a corresponding first tab 314 to enable themotherboard 302 to be disposed on the guide rail 308. Each of the secondnotches 324 is adapted to support an end of the motherboard 302 duringinstallation of the motherboard 302 and to obstruct movement of themotherboard 302 when the motherboard 302 is installed in the base 304.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, to install the motherboard 302 to thebase 304, the first notch 320 of the motherboard 302 is aligned with thefirst tab 310 to align the motherboard 302 with the base 304. The rearedge portion 326 of the motherboard 302 is supported by the second tab316. In the illustrated embodiment, the second tab 316 is disposed at adifferent height than the guide rails 308 and 310, as represented byreference numeral 328, thereby disposing the motherboard 302 at anangle, typically a slight angle.

Referring generally to FIGS. 16 and 17, the motherboard 302 is securedto the base 304 by aligning the motherboard 302 with the base 304 andmoving the motherboard 302 laterally, relative to the base 304, toenable the base 304 to capture the motherboard 302. In this embodiment,as the motherboard 302 is moved laterally toward the front of theassembly 300, as represented by the arrow 330, an edge portion 332 ofthe motherboard 302, adjacent to the first notch 322, is guided by theguide portion 318 of the first tab 314 towards the securing portion 320of the first tab 314.

In this embodiment, the motherboard 302 is flexed by the first tab 314and the second tab 316 as the motherboard 302 is moved laterally towarda secured position in the base 304. Either the guide portion 318 andsecuring portion 320, or both, of the first tab 314 may cooperate withthe second tab 316 to bend the motherboard 302.

Typically, the motherboard 302 is comprised of an elastic material. Asthe motherboard 302 is flexed, the motherboard 302 produces a biasingforce to urge the motherboard 302 back towards its unbent shape. As thelateral movement of the motherboard 302 continues, the second tab 316 nolonger supports the rear edge portion 326 of the motherboard 302. Thebiasing force produced in the motherboard 302 also tends to urge themotherboard 302 toward the second guide rail 310 and the protrusion 312once the rear edge portion 326 of the motherboard 302 is clear of thesecond tab 316.

The first tabs 314 located on each side of the motherboard 302 preventvertical movement of the motherboard 302. Simultaneously, the sides ofthe base, the second tabs 316 located on each side of the motherboard302, and the lip 238 (not shown) prevent lateral movement of themotherboard. Rearward lateral movement of the motherboard 302 isprevented by contact between a side 334 of the second tab 316 and therear edge 336 of the motherboard 302.

To remove the motherboard 302, the rear of the motherboard is flexed toraise the rear edge 336 of the motherboard 302 above the second tabs316. The motherboard 302 may then be moved laterally relative to thebase 304 to align the first notches 322 with the first tabs 314. Themotherboard 302 may be lifted from the base 302 with the first notches322 aligned with the first tabs 314.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the cover 306 and motherboard 302 areadapted to secure the cover to the base 304. The cover is comprised of aflexible material, such as a polymer. The cover 306 has a pair of clips338 that are adapted to catch the underside of the second tabs 316 tosecure the cover 306 to the base 304 when the cover 306 is pivotedtoward the base 304. The second notches 324 on the motherboard 302 areadapted to form a gap 340 between each second tab 316 and themotherboard 302 to enable the clips 338 to be disposed between thesecond tabs 316 and the motherboard 302. The clips 338 are depressed toopen the cover 306.

In this embodiment, each side of the cover 306 has an arm 342 that isadapted to lock the cover 306 in an open position. As illustrated, eacharm 342 has a stem 344 and each side of the base 304 has a correspondinghole 346 adapted to receive a portion of the stem 344 when the cover 306is positioned to a desired location relative to the cover 306. The hole346 forms an obstruction to pivotal movement of the cover 306. In thisembodiment, the portion of the stem 344 that is inserted within the hole346 is tapered. When a pivotal force is applied to close the cover 306,the tapered surfaces of the stems 344 guide the stems 344 out of theholes 346, enabling the cover 306 to pivot freely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 306 is adapted with a pluralityof guide portions 348 that are adapted to provide additional support tothe motherboard 302. The guide portions 348 are adapted to contact thetop surface of the motherboard 302, in this embodiment, when the cover306 is closed. The motherboard 302 is thereby supported between theguide portions 348 of the cover and the guide rails of the base 304 inall orientations of the protective assembly 300.

The techniques described above provide a removable protective assemblyfor protecting electronic components, such as memory modules, removablydisposed within the protective assembly. In addition, the techniquesprovided above enable a motherboard to be installed and removed from theprotective assembly without the use of tools and/or fasteners.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferredexemplary embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is notlimited to the specific forms shown. For example, a variety of rollbarconfigurations and protective cartridge configurations can be utilizeddepending on the particular application. These and other modificationsmay be made in the design and arrangement of the elements withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appendedclaims.

1. An electronic system, comprising: a first printed circuit boardadapted to receive a plurality of memory modules; a first electricalconnector electrically coupled to the first printed circuit board; aremovable protective cartridge adapted to receive the first printedcircuit board and to prevent contact between the plurality of memorymodules and an external planar surface in all orientations of theremovable protective cartridge relative to the external planar surface,wherein the removable protective cartridge comprises an air circulationopening; and an enclosure comprising a second electrical connector,wherein the removable protective cartridge is mechanically securable tothe enclosure and the first electrical connector is electricallycoupleable to the second electrical connector.
 2. The system as recitedin claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of memory modules is disposedon a second printed circuit board.
 3. The system as recited in claim 2,wherein each of the second printed circuit boards is disposed at anangle relative to the first printed circuit board.
 4. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein each of the second printed circuit boards isremovable from the first printed circuit board.
 5. The system as recitedin claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board and the protectivecartridge are adapted to enable fixed portions of the protectivecartridge to capture the first printed circuit board.
 6. The system asrecited in claim 5, wherein the fixed portion of the protectivecartridge comprises a first member and a second member, the first memberbeing adapted to obstruct movement of the first printed circuit board ina first direction relative to the base portion and the second memberbeing adapted to obstruct movement of the first printed circuit board ina second direction transverse to the first direction.
 7. The system asrecited in claim 6, wherein the first printed circuit board comprises anotch adapted to enable the first printed circuit board to avoid thefirst member as the first printed circuit board is disposed in theremovable protective cartridge.
 8. The system as recited in claim 6,wherein the first member comprises a guide portion adapted to guidelateral movement of the first printed circuit board.
 9. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit board and theprotective cartridge are adapted to secure the first printed circuitboard to the protective cartridge without a removable fastener.
 10. Thesystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit boardand the protective cartridge are adapted to secure the first printedcircuit board to the protective cartridge in a tool-less engagement. 11.The electronic system as recited in claim 1, comprising a plurality ofremovable protective cartridges including the removable protectivecartridge.
 12. The electronic system as recited in claim 1, wherein theair circulation opening comprises a plurality of ventilation holes. 13.An electronic system, comprising: a plurality of first circuit boards,wherein at least one electronic component is disposed on each of theplurality of first circuit boards; a second circuit board, wherein eachof the plurality of first circuit boards is coupled to the secondcircuit board; a protective cartridge having a fixed portion adapted tocapture the second circuit board and a protective cover adapted toprevent contact between an external planar surface and the plurality offirst circuit boards in all orientations of the protective cartridgerelative to the external planar surface, wherein the protectivecartridge comprises an air circulation opening; and an enclosure adaptedto receive the protective cartridge.
 14. The electronic system asrecited in claim 13, wherein the protective assembly comprises a baseand a cover pivotably secured to the base.
 15. The system as recited inclaim 14, wherein the second circuit board and base are adapted toenable the second circuit board to be secured to the base without aremovable fastener.
 16. The system as recited in claim 14, wherein thesecond circuit board and base are adapted to enable the second circuitboard to be secured to the base in a tool-less engagement.
 17. Thesystem as recited in claim 14, wherein the second circuit board and baseare adapted to enable the base to capture the second circuit board. 18.The electronic system as recited in claim 13, comprising a plurality ofprotective cartridges including the protective cartridge.
 19. A computersystem, comprising: at least one memory module; a removable protectivecartridge adapted to receive the at least one memory module and toprevent engagement between an external planar surface and the at leastone memory module in all orientations of the removable protectivecartridge relative to the external planar surface; and a chassisoperable to receive a plurality of removable protective cartridges,wherein each removable protective cartridge is mechanically securable tothe chassis and wherein each removable protective cartridge is operableto electrically couple the at least one memory module to an electricalconnector within the chassis.
 20. The computer system as recited inclaim 19, wherein the at least one memory module is disposed on acircuit board.
 21. The computer system as recited in claim 19, whereinthe circuit board is secured to the removable protective cartridge byaligning the circuit board with the removable protective cartridge anddriving the circuit board in a first direction to engage a fixedsecuring member.
 22. The computer system as recited in claim 21, whereinthe circuit board comprises a notch adapted to enable the circuit boardto be aligned with the fixed securing member.
 23. The computer system asrecited in claim 22, wherein the fixed securing member comprises a guideportion and a securing portion, the guide portion directing the circuitboard to engage the securing portion as the circuit board is driven inthe first direction.
 24. The computer system as recited in claim 19,wherein the removable protective cartridge comprises an air circulationopening.